Pelagic Trawls

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which pelagic trawl fisheries in the Celtic Sea/Biscay/Channel area UK fishing vessels are active in; how many UK vessels are involved in each; and how many of these fisheries are subject to observer monitoring. [83372]

There are normally less than 10 UK vessels active in the pelagic trawl fisheries in the south western approaches, which may pursue any of the individual fisheries. Observers have been on vessels engaged in the anchovy, bass, herring, mackerel, pilchard, smelt and sprat fisheries.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what discussions she has had within the Council of Fisheries Ministers on an observer programme to monitor cetacean bycatch on pelagic trawl vessels in the Celtic Sea/Biscay/Channel area; [83373]

(2) what discussions she has had with her European counterparts about cetacean bycatch in pelagic trawl fisheries south and west of Britain; and if she will make a statement. [83376]

The European Commission intends to bring forward proposals to reduce cetacean bycatch as part of its proposals for reform of the Common Fisheries Policy. Detailed discussions within the Council on the nature of such a strategy will follow

publication of the Commission's proposals. I have written to Commissioner Fischler and to the French Minister pressing the need for action in this area and will continue to raise the issue with EU Ministers as opportunities arise to do so. We are already funding UK observer programmes in relation to cetacean bycatch on pelagic vessels.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what funding her Department has allocated to trialling marine mammal excludes devices for pelagic trawls; and what alternative mitigation measures she is investigating; [83374]

(2) what measures she is undertaking to curb cetacean bycatch in pelagic trawl fisheries south and west of Britain. [83375]

This Department has allocated approximately £140,000 for trials into the use of exclusion devices to reduce the bycatch of cetaceans in pelagic trawl fisheries. If these trials are not successful, we will look at other measures. I do not rule out any approach at this stage including arguing for restrictions on fishing, gear or seasonal closures.